What age can children start helping around the house? Children are capable of helping with tasks from a very young age.

It helps to break up the task into smaller parts. Put all the red blocks away. Then have them choise the next color to put away etc.

Another method that is helpful is asking if they want to put the cars away first or the blocks away. You can race them by putting away other items.

• Age 2-3 Putting toys in baskets, folding wash cloths, putting clothes into a hamper, dusting things at their height (your baseboards will have never been so clean)
• Age 4-6 Wiping their spot at the table, taking their plate to the counter, folding hand towels and putting them away, sorting socks, putting away toys and books, sorting silverware and putting it away, hanging up their coat and backpack, stirring ingredients when an adults cook.
• Age 7-10 By this age kids can handle having a short list of 2-3 tasks to do before they have free time, putting away their laundry, packing the backpack the night before, putting away 5 items that are out of place before dinner, helping with choosing what to make for meals, etc.

Having your child participate in cleaning up might take a little longer when they are young. But setting the expectation that they are part of the family and the family does tasks together will help in the long run. They learn life skills and doing tasks together gives adults and kids time to connect and talk. Also, if everyone is helping, the tasks are done sooner and there is more time to play!